Without Launchers, is android still your OS choice?

[bembol]

I'll be honest, launchers like Nova Prime is probably the reason why I dropped iPhone as my daily driver. iOS is great but the problem is it's not customizable, which is why I love android. I don't midge it as I'm using my 64GB iPad Air LTE to post this.

Without add-ons like HD Widgets, Simple Text, Nox Icon Pack, etc. (this is all what I use with Prime), how much better say Samsung's TouchWiz is to Apple's iOS? Prime allows me to use Gestures, Hide the Task Bar and even change the Size of Icons.

This is why I love android but without any of these, even Google's Vanilla I don't think I would've made the switch. What's your take?

 

[Paul627g]

I've toyed around on and off with my daughters iPhone 4 for a while now (you know, dad fix this and that... ) and sure Apple has a way about it that appeals to many but for me I can say I'm happy with vanilla Android or branded in any form. That includes vanilla Android, TW, Sense, etc. Launcher add ons (Nova, BW, etc. )

Android is just so much more customizable.

 

[z33dev33l]

I haven't found a skin on an Android device that was usable. Stock Android is usable, not a good UI by any means but usable. In terms of just UI, Windows Phone wins but it has many failings for some people in the apps department.

 

[JRDroid]

Yes, but I'd be much more picky about what OEMs I'd use. No more Samsung, LG would be questionable. I'd pretty much be stuck with Nexus, Moto, or HTC.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[ab304945]

Yes i dont use other launchers, i am sticking with touchwiz

 

[Paul627g]

I think getting back to what the OP said, Android for him wins due to customization. Android embraces you to be creative and customize. Other performs aren't so generous.

Sent from my HTCONE using AC Forums mobile app

 

[BadgerVadge907]

trebuchet ftw

 

[Golfdriver97]

I would still stick with Android. Just not heavier launchers like TW.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[Lambertoid]

Nova prime with my z1s just so I can customize my app sizes and have a bit more fun.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[JeffDenver]

Without Launchers, is android still your OS choice?

Changing launchers is a core part of Android. It would be like saying "Would you still like iOS if you could never use the App Store?".

Even if I had to use the default launchers, I would still prefer Android. I would ever Prefer Touchwiz-polluted Android to the competition. The worst Android phones are still more open than iOS.

It also doesn't hurt that they are half the price. Both the Nexus 5 and One+1 have iPhone-destroying specs and performance and cost half as much.

 

[LeoRex]

I used to use launchers like Nova, Apex, etc..... Then shortly after I got my Nexus 5 I decided to just give the 'stock' launcher (Google Now Launcher) a look.... With a few tweaks here and there, I have zero desire to unload the GNL at this point. So that should answer your question.

But those features you mentioned (widgets, etc)... these are all an integral part of Android. Being able to change icons, launchers, themes....making it your own is what separates Android from iOS. like Jeff said, it's like saying "Would you still buy that 911 if it didn't come with an engine or seats?"

 

[Almeuit]

One word...

Yep.

Sent from my T-Mobile Note 3 using AC Forums.

 

[A895]

Yup. I prefer whatever skin that came with the phone anyways otherwise I wouldn't buy an expensive device and just throw a launcher on there. I toy with launchers from time to time, but I mainly use whatever skin came with the phone.

Sent from my XT907 using Mobile Nations mobile app

 

[Spencerdl]

I'll be honest, launchers like Nova Prime is probably the reason why I dropped iPhone as my daily driver. iOS is great but the problem is it's not customizable, which is why I love android. I don't midge it as I'm using my 64GB iPad Air LTE to post this.

Without add-ons like HD Widgets, Simple Text, Nox Icon Pack, etc. (this is all what I use with Prime), how much better say Samsung's TouchWiz is to Apple's iOS? Prime allows me to use Gestures, Hide the Task Bar and even change the Size of Icons.

This is why I love android but without any of these, even Google's Vanilla I don't think I would've made the switch. What's your take?

I have to agree with you OP, to a certan extent. I love the ability to customize as well as the screen size of my Note3 vs my 5s. I'm not sure which one I would choose if the options of Android were not available

 

[Ry]

I like the launchers Motorola has used on their phones. Never felt the need to use an alternate.

Posted via Android Central App (Moto X)

 

[xchange]

I stopped using full blown launchers because Sony did an excellent job but I do use zooper widgets as well as Appsi sidebar

Sent from my C6906 using Tapatalk

 

[kigmatzomat]

I love Android because I'm not using the "Android default" launcher but am still using my phone's "stock" launcher (Touchwiz). Android is the only OS on the market that gives you enough depth of customization to allow people to find something that works "best" for them. To me, that is a huge feature.

I haven't found an OS or UI that perfectly matches my personal workflow or thought processes. WebOS was the closest, but half of that was the incredible depth of customizations possible. I had around 3 dozen UI tweaks and customizations installed. It was really good by default but it was wonderful after I tweaked it.

I'm intrigued by WP8 but the app restrictions and lack of customization make it a no-go.

I have tried several launchers on different devices. In addition to my Note2, I have a 7" and 10" tablet running various CM builds with an assortment of launchers.

Touchwiz is my favorite. (Gasp!) I occasionally make use of the multi-window functionality, which not many other launchers can support. It's not make-or-break but it is a stand-out feature.

The integrated Touchwiz apps, which are much maligned by Google-only users, are fantastic if you're like me and my wife, who both predate Google and have accounts all over the place. I need my calendar & task widgets to integrate multiple services ala WebOS Synergy. Touchwiz's calendar/task/email apps/widgets trumps Google's apps. (Ironic, given that the WebOS architect, Matias Duarte is now in charge of Android UI)

My Note2 has enough horsepower that unless you've got the latest/greatest right next it, I don't see any lag or stutter in the animations so I don't feel the need for a faster/lighter launcher.

Coming from WebOS, I like gesture-based controls. If I couldn't get WaveLauncher (which is more like a super-widget than a full blown launcher) to give me swipe up/over to swap apps or access frequently used ones I might be willing to live without multi-window and go through the pain of finding email/task/calendar apps that also have acceptable widgets.

Having said that, my wife might have been happier with the Sense launcher, given that she's a heavy facebook user and less wedded to multi-window. Ironically, the "best" launchers for both of us look to be non-stock launchers, neither of which is available outside of specific vendors.

If she didn't need me to do her tech support, I'd get her the new HTC One when our contract comes up but for now she's stuck using the same phone I have so if she breaks her phone (again) I can give her mine and I can either switch to a backup or get something new. (whee!)

 

[B. Diddy]

Definitely my OS of choice. Launchers are fine, but I find that vanilla Android completely suits my needs. Once I've set it up the way I want, it's a breeze. Now that I have a Nexus 7 and Nexus 5, it will probably be very hard for me to use any kind of skin, unless it's really light.

 

[Duncan1982]

Recently acquired the Xperia Z2 and usually I opt for Apex, but I happen to like the light Ui and skin on this, so decided not to bother.

But I much prefer Android over IOS or Windows devices, do not like them live tiles.

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[bembol]

I have the S5 and just picked up the Z2 two nights ago and within 5 minutes setting it up I launched Nova Prime.

I don't know but these stock UI are really depressing, hTc Sense 6 is probably the only one I can live with.